South Carolina Neighbors With PKD
Provide Hope and Help
By Kris Johns
PKD Foundation Staff
Longtime friends and neighbors Steve and Sharon Davis and Dr. Stuart and Barbara Hamilton have spent the last 29 years commuting to work together, watching their children grow up together and celebrating holidays together.
Still, the two couples never knew much they’d someday have in common.
Six years ago, Steve was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) the same genetic disease Barbara had been diagnosed with at the age of 39.
Although Steve has no confirmed history of PKD in his family to date, Barbara can trace the disease back to her father’s side of the family. Barbara is the only one of seven siblings who inherited PKD. She went on dialysis in February 1994 and received a healthy kidney from a sister in May of that year. Steve can recall watching Barbara during these months on dialysis.
“We were all concerned about Barbara during this time,” he said. “I didn’t know much about PKD, but I knew it was very serious and that a transplant was necessary.”
Although Barbara’s transplant treated her renal failure, she has had to cope with continued issues with PKD and Polycystic Liver Disease (PLD). Recently, she had her right lobe and gallbladder removed under the supervision of Dr. Vicente Torres at the Mayo Clinic. In addition to PKD, she battled breast cancer and underwent chemotherapy and surgery in the past few years. Through all of this, Barbara has maintained an upbeat outlook on life with the help of her husband Stuart, her children, Rhia Olivia and Stuart Arnim II, and friends like Steve, Sharon and their son Charles William III.
“I believe strongly in faith in God for our sustenance during periods of trial,” Barbara said.
Both Barbara and Steve’s families have also relied heavily on the PKD Foundation for up-to-date information and research funding to find a treatment and cure for PKD. Barbara introduced Steve to the PKD Foundation, and both donate annually to the organization. The Hamiltons have also included the PKD Foundation in their will.
“We donate directly to the PKD Foundation because it is the only organization working to find treatment and a cure for our particular kidney disease,” Barbara said. “I want our children to have hope for better treatment options should they be diagnosed in the future.”
Steve now faces a new future dealing with PKD. He is currently being treated only for high blood pressure, and his kidney function is good. Like Barbara, he also has PLD, and, most recently, he has been dealing with a collapsed lung. His friendship with Barbara and Stuart has provided even greater support during the last few years.
“They are a source for information and have helped to demystify the disease to me,” Steve said.
Barbara is happy to provide a message of hope and help for Steve and many others.
“PKD is a challenge, but life goes on. I want others to know that it is important to live as normal a life as possible. I’m proof of that.”
Barbara retired in 2000 from a career as an attorney with emphasis on environmental law. Her husband Stuart is the founder and CEO of Eau Claire Cooperative Health Centers, Inc. (ECCHC) in Columbia, the largest community health center in South Carolina, focusing on providing primary healthcare services to underserved populations. Steve owns his own tax-services business, called Tax Investment Enterprises, while his wife Sharon is leasing manager for Ryder Truck Rental.
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